The following information was first sent to all currently enrolled families via their UltraCamp account on October 2, 2026.

We know families from all corners of our state are struggling with affordability. The childcare sector is no different. We’re making organizational changes, based on your feedback, to combat this reality. We want to reassure you that your child’s afterschool program and the services your family currently receives remain our priority.

Here’s what you need to know:

Camp Fire Programs

  • We’ll be updating our registration platform (where you sign up for programs, pay your bill, etc.) The new system will simplify registration by allowing families to register and pay from any device, manage multiple children in one account, easily access forms and schedules, and receive helpful reminders about payments, waitlists, and upcoming programs. This change will happen in December, and you will receive directions on how to create an account.
  • Our program and family services team will remain fully staffed and available to support families in and out of our program.
  • We’ve been piloting new programs to better meet the needs of families, including reduced rate options and part-time plans at certain Afterschool Program locations. We are currently assessing these pilots and will communicate with families if we can expand these options to more locations in the coming months.

Organizational Changes

  • The childcare sector faces immense financial pressures with higher costs and reduced funding. This past May we saw a new trend of lower enrollment emerge, both locally and nationally, as families are struggling to afford childcare.
  • Camp Fire has identified measures to create efficiency and reduce spending. These measures include implementation of new technologies, reduction of administrative staff, among other initiatives.
  • We do not anticipate these changes to impact the current services we provide.
  • Our program and family services team will remain fully staffed and available to support families in and out of our program.

To support Alaska families, we need all voices to advocate for the sector. If would like to join Camp Fire’s advocacy efforts locally or statewide, or if you have any questions or feedback, please email us at campfire@campfireak.org. We’ve been serving Alaska families for over one hundred years; and the changes we’re making are preparing us for the next 100 years.